Supermarkets in the UAE have urged residents to avoid panic buying to ensure there are enough essentials for other shoppers.
Spinneys issued a plea in response to people buying items in bulk, which has also been seen in numerous other countries.
As retailers re-stock the shelves, they appealed to shoppers to stop over-loading their carts, which would only mean that others would be left without the basic things they need.
In the message, Spinneys said it understands many are worried about the spread of Covid-19, but it is taking all steps to ensure a steady supply of household products and groceries.
“We are working closely with our suppliers to keep up deliveries to stores, and to keep our shelves stocked. But we need your help too,” read the notice.
“Please be considerate in the way that you shop. We understand the concerns, but buying more than is needed can mean that others who need essentials will be left without. There will be enough for everyone if we work together.”
Union Coop, the largest Consumer Cooperative in the UAE, also assured customers there was enough stockpile of essential goods.
Dr Suhail Al Bastaki, director of happiness and marketing at Union Coop said the hypermarket has agreements with suppliers to ensure there was enough stock of basic food and consumer goods for up to six months.
The plea comes as Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reassured the public that the country has enough supplies of food and medicine to address the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I'd like to reassure every citizen and resident of the UAE that our country is infinitely able to supply everyone with all the food and medicine they could ever need,” he said.
Other supermarkets in the UAE have reassured customers of the strict hygiene measures they are following in stores and while packing online orders.
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An abra driver wears protective gloves and a face mask in Dubai. Getty Images -
A sign showing how to prevent infection is seen in Dubai. Getty Images -
One of the staff member stands inside a Dhow Cruise which is closed as a preventive measure in Deira. Pawan Singh / The National -
An empty restaurant is pictured outside Dubai Mall. Reuters -
A picture taken on March 16, 2020 shows Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in the colours of the Italian flag and "We are with you" message as a sign of solidarity with Italy. AFP -
A view shows the Dubai mall almost empty of customers, as precaution amid the outbreak of coronavirus, in Dubai. Reuters -
An empty beach in Dubai. EPA -
People walk past shops in Dubai's Deira Souk on on March 15, 2020. AFP -
Workers clean outside the Louvre Abu Dhabi on March 15, 2020. EPA -
A man wearing a protective mask walks down the street in Dubai on March 16, 2020. AFP -
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A man wears a protective mask at the shopping mall in Dubai. Reuters -
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Commuters wear protective masks on the metro in Dubai, March 12. Reuters -
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Commuters, some wearing protective face masks, ride the metro in Dubai on March 5. Bloomberg -
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A commuter, wearing a protective face mask, walks in Downtown Dubai on March 5. Bloomberg -
Commuters, wearing protective face masks, walk in downtown Dubai, on March 5. Bloomberg -
Commuters, wearing protective face masks, walk after exiting a metro station in downtown Dubai, March 5. Bloomberg -
A commuter, wearing protective face mask, walks through a metro station in downtown Dubai on March 5. Bloomberg -
Commuters wearing protective face masks use smartphones on the metro in Dubai on March 5. Bloomberg -
UAE landmarks were lit up for in solidarity with China’s efforts to contain coronavirus, Covid-19 in March. Bilateral trade between the two countries is set to accelerate, according to officials. Wam
In a video posted on Carrefour’s Facebook page, the French chain said it has implemented a “rigorous cleaning protocol” as per World Health Organisation standards.
“Trolleys and baskets are deep cleaned, sanitised daily and handles are cleaned regularly after every use,” said a short video posted on social media.
“Surfaces, counters, tables and displays are cleaned with a special disinfectant every two hours.
“Our aisles, floors and merchandise are sanitised twice a day with a special disinfectant.”
Disposable gloves and hand sanitisers are also available for customers to use in-store, it adds.
Union Coop said it was disinfecting its stores.
It involved “comprehensive and complete sterilisation of sale facilities and shelves in all outlets throughout the day, as well as implementing more extensive sterilisation operations for the branches at night after the end of working hours,” said Dr Al Bastaki.
Shopping carts are also being sterilised before and after each use, and hand sanitiser is being made available to customers.
